Popular Post browndog Posted September 28, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted September 28, 2014 I bought another one of these damn things last week, told myself I wouldn't buy any more, but this one was too good to pass up (ever said that to yourself before?) Anyway, short story is, previous owner bought it in 1976 from DB Breweries who were the first owners. At this point it still had the 2.0 V4. Shortly after he purchased a written off XA Fairmont, and took the running gear out, as well as a lot of other parts. Over the next 8 years (!) he fitted the engine, trans, nine inch disc braked LSD (from a Lincoln Continental) into the van . The job was completed in 1985. He then used it as a service vehicle for his Gp.4 Escort rally car. It was parked up in 2006 and not driven again. I first spied it a couple of years ago, and he had made noises about selling it, and I have been in his ear ever since. Spoke to a friend of mine last week, and he said he was over at the Transit helping the owner get it started, and to come over, to which I replied " I know how this is going to end!" Anyway, we got it running on 8 year old fuel(!) and by the next day a deal had been done and I owned it I went to his place yesterday, fitted a new battery, poured in some fresh 2014 fuel, and fired her up. I drove it up the road to make sure it had brakes etc, seemed near enough so drove it to my storage unit about 25 minutes away without incident. Something that occurred just after purchasing it was; Mk1 Transit SWB, flat front, with a 5 litre V8. Sound familiar? To me I instantly thought of this, the iconic Transit Supervan 1: So after collectimg the van yesterday I swung past a friends place and picked up a set of wheels off his Pantera, thats 15x10 fronts with 285/40x15 tyres and 15x13 rears with 345/35x15 tyres. It is just so happens by pure luck that the Pantera has the same Ford 5 stud bolt pattern as the Falcon running gear that has been fitted to this van, so on they went: followed by a set of works Escort arches: So the plan at this stage is to get the van roadworthy, nothing major, new front brake discs and pads, sort the intermittent starting issue, get both sides repainted, good groom and use and enjoy it over summer. Then will start on the Supervan conversion next year sometime Happy days. Conrad //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?app=forums&module=post§ion=post&do=new_post&f=11 45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 Been working on the van a bit. Front brakes were quite rusty from sitting around, and wheel bearings were knackered, so I bought a new pair of slotted DBA rotors, and Ferodo DS2000 pads, and overhauled the calipers at the same time. new wheel bearings fitted too. I gave the wheels a good polish, wet sanded them working from 320 up to 800, then finished them off with a polishing mop in my battery drill, only took about 40 mins per wheel and they came up mint and swapped out the orange front indicators for a pair of clear ones I had, as well as refitting the headlight bezels: Got a kit for the carb on its way, gaskets are all dried out and accelerator pump not working properly, giving a big flat spot when the throttle is cracked open. Look forward to getting that in, should make it much better to drive 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted October 16, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 16, 2014 At the moment the Tranny is earning it's first paycheck, starring in an upcoming TV mini series, of which I am not allowed to disclose any details First day on the set was on Wednesday, and it behaved like a seasoned pro, amongst all of the other oldschool cars. Meanwhile, the REAL Supervan arrived in the post today:) //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page-2 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted November 4, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 4, 2014 My door trims arrived in the post from Aldridge Trimming, they are simply beautiful! They have the proper heat moulded seams, and chrome trims. Fit is perfect too, very happy with these Next step is to trim the inside in black loop pile carpet, as soon as I can find some!...... 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 The Transit road train. Needed both for filming today //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page-2 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 Been a while since I last updated this, mainly cos' I have been so busy and the old Transit has been gathering dust in its lockup! Anyway, dragged it out today, brought it home, and spent a few hours fitting the bumpers. The front one is a NOS one I bought a few years ago for the LWB van, it was sold to me as a diesel (bullnose) bumper, only opened the wrapping about a month ago and discovered it was a petrol one! In this case that worked out well. It was painted, so I had it stripped, polished and chromed. Fark me that was an expensive excercise! About $900 in all to get it chromed. Factor in the £200 + shipping that I paid for it from the UK, and it is an expensive piece! Rear bumpers were slightly less exorbitant, both NOS items but original chrome on them, cost me £150 from the UK for the pair. I had the bumper irons coated in a very tough satin black coating (like paint, but much tougher) and had the bumper bolts chromed too.I also had a shipment of go-faster goodies turn up from Summit Racing, but that is for the next instalment [/ //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page-2 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 The other thing I had done since last time I posted was a bit of interior trimming. I managed to find some black loop pile carpet, which as any of you old Ford nutters will know is the correct carpet for any self respecting 1970's Ford, and had a carpet set made, as well as a vinyl engine cover. As well as looking quite good, it has cut down the cabin noice quite a bit! I have a nice set of black trimmed high backed seats which I am also going to fit //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page-2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 I just received notice that the first part of the mini series we did last year - Westside, is set for release on May 31st - looking forward to that! You can just catch a glimpse of the Mk1 at 0.38 in this TV trailer:www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/68492044/sneak-peek-at-outrageous-fortune-prequel-westsideTalking to another production company at the moment, they want to use both of my vans in a UK based documentary set in 1980. These vans will be seasoned pros soon 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted June 10, 2015 Author Share Posted June 10, 2015 It's now a star! Several scenes on Westside last Sunday night at 8.30: http://www.tv3.co.nz/WESTSIDE-Season-1-Ep2/tabid/3692/articleID/114498/MCat/4513/Default.aspx And I have just delivered this and my white Sundowner to the signwriters to be vinyl wrapped for their next role. This is for a TV production that will be UK based, so not sure if or when it will be shown on NZ TV, but I really can't say much more about it than that, due to confidentiality agreements with the production company. It will look like a standard Mk1 for this next role, so I have fitted some standard steel wheels to it, shown here about to be delivered to signwriter: discussion: //oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page-2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted June 14, 2015 Author Popular Post Share Posted June 14, 2015 Lots more of the old silver Transit in last nights episode, my white Mk2 also features as the paddy wagon used in the "dawn raids" as well as Jackson's plumbers van which is the armoured cash van. A few pics from the set: http://www.tv3.co.nz/WESTSIDE-Season-1-Ep3/tabid/3692/articleID/114634/MCat/4513/Default.aspx 22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share Posted June 29, 2015 The last appearance tonight of my van on Westside Ep. 5 below, the Sundowner is the armoured cash van in this episode, and Jackson's yellow Mk2 is the getaway van. Dougal tries to blow the doors off the back of the van to get the cash inside, and unfortunately has also manages to blow his head off But happily no Transits were harmed in the making of this production Click this link to watch the programme:http://www.tv3.co.nz/WESTSIDE-Season-1-Ep5/tabid/3692/articleID/115944/MCat/4513/Default.aspx 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted July 16, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 16, 2017 appeared on last nights TV programme "The Dance Exponents" as the band van: 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 Made a list and spent today working on the Mk1. It has always been a bit of a scary thing to drive. When the previous owner fitted the power steering, he used a Ford Fairmont steering box. The input shaft rotates the wrong way for a Transit, so he fitted an inline gearbox on the shaft to reverse the direction. The gearbox has some freeplay, and coupled with the freeplay on the steering box, it made for an interesting drive! It also has a Falcon steering column, complete with column shifter.The plan is to ft a Mk3 Transit power steering box, Mk5 column and switches, and Lokar floor shifter. I have all of these parts already. Also replacing the 3.9 gears (very noisy!) with a 3.5 ratio in the nine inch rear axle, so have removed the diff head in preparation for this. Todays task was removing the offending items! https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted January 4, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 4, 2020 https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted January 9, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 9, 2020 I removed the steering box and original mounting plate. Mk3 Transit mounting plate now fitted and new steering box bolted in, much neater! https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted January 27, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 27, 2020 Got the steering box and Mk5 column fitted in. Just needs the clamps welding to the column, and steering box mount welding to the inner wheelarch.I will fit a Mk1 bulkhead grommet to the lower end of the column to seal it at the bulkhead. I am going to use a VDO/Merc A class electro hydraulic pump to power this PS box, and this will be mounted just above the steering box. Engine is back together. I have installed a new Edelbrock cam and lifters,double row timing chain, and Edelbrock performer inlet manifold and carb to replace the standard 2 barrel carb and inlet manifold, and standard cam. I have a set of Hedman headers which I will also fit.Fortunately the engine had just been reconditioned before I bought the van, so still looks new inside!I deleted the engine driven power steering pump, which required a different crank and water pump pulley, and this has tidied up the front of the engine somewhat. https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndog Posted March 1, 2020 Author Share Posted March 1, 2020 Took the van into work. Removed all of the old exhaust system, in preparation for a new 2 into 1 stainless system. Fitted the exhaust headers since last update too. Refitted the rebuilt diff head; have swapped out the 3.9 gears for 3.5, and rebuilt the LSD. Have welded in the mounting plate for the steering box. Made a plate to fill in the steering column hole which had been cut out to accommodate a column shift. Will re-use the original Mk1 bulkhead grommet, along with a modified Mk5 steering column. This was fairly easy, I cut off the top bracket and moved it up the column about 30mm, and welded on another bracket the same lower down which bolts through the pedal box. I cut out the master spline on the column so it will accept a Capri/Escort type steering wheel, or even a Mk1/Mk2 Transit wheel. I have wired in the Mk5 column switches and ignition switch (with new Tibbe key and barrel) to the Mk1 wiring loom. https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted March 10, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 10, 2020 Completed the steering today. Powered up the pump, and it seems to work well. Pump is a little bit noisy, it had a "jacket" which was wrapped around the pump, no doubt for sound deadening. I might refit it if it proves annoying. At the moment I have a Capri steering wheel fitted temporarily. But I think I will find a "Springalex" wheel, like they used to fit to the Mk1 Escort rally cars, and install that instead. The column is all welded up and bolted in too, complete with later "Tibbe" style ignition key, which is about a million times more secure than the original setup Discuss here: https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted March 11, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 11, 2020 A few pics of the new exhaust, which I forgot to post yesterday. Collectors feed into 2 1/2" diameter pipes, which feed into the first muffler. Then it's a single 3" all the way back, with a resonator just behind the rear axle. All 304 stainless, and TIG welded by someone with much better skills than me! Probably a bit overkill for the 300 or so horses, but who doesn't like big diameter stainless? ! Discuss: https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post browndog Posted April 2, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 2, 2020 Just finished the first week in lockdown, and I have been out in the garage working on the Mk1! Managed to get a lot done, and took it for a test drive yesterday. ( to Pak N Save for groceries of course! ) First impressions are good, it feels much better than before. The steering box conversion has transformed the way it drives - previously it had a tendency to wander around a lot, and the steering felt very "disconnected" from the steering wheel, there was no feel or feedback. It tracks nice and straight now with no corrections required, it has a reasonable amount of weight, but is easy to park. The Merc electro hydraulic pump which feeds hydraulic pressure to the steering box is getting noisier, so I will swap that out with another one I have tomorrow. The new exhaust sounds so much better! No overly loud, but has a beautiful crisp V8 rumble. ) The trans was playing up a bit, it was leaving in second gear sometimes. I adjusted the bands this morning, and that seemed to fix it. Brakes are still very average, solid pedal but requires a very hefty push on the pedal to stop. I think the brake booster is still playing up, so I will get another one when the lockdown is lifted and try that. Carb will need some tuning, it was a new Edelbrock (Weber) straight out of the box, so might need some rejetting etc. but it is fairly close. So still a few things to sort, but getting there, and overall very happy with it https://oldschool.co.nz/index.php?/topic/45289-browndogs-1972-v8-transit/page/4/ 13 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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